textproduct: Rapid City

KEY MESSAGES

- Warming up early week back to normal or above normal.

- Dry conditions expected through the week.

DISCUSSION

(Today Through Sunday) Issued at 241 AM MST Mon Dec 29 2025

Upper ridge has set up over the west coast with northwest flow over the forecast area this morning. Surface high pressure sits over western North Dakota. Winds are currently light and variable with temperatures ranging from 0 to the mid teens. WAA moving into the region has allowed for some areas to see rises in temps overnight, or at least temperatures remaining steady.

This pattern will hold fairly steady through the forecast period, with the CWA on the edge of the ridge. Fluctuation of the baroclinic zone will result in some slight raises and drops in temperatures throughout the week, but in general expect temperatures to remain at or above normal. Could see some large variations in temperatures across the CWA at times, if the warm side of the ridge shifts, making northwestern SD much colder than further south. A few weak impulses traverse down the ridge through the northern plains through the week, however models keep any potential precipitation to the north and east of the forecast area, and any effects we may feel would be limited to strengthening winds and a slight drop in temperatures.

AVIATION

(For the 12Z TAFS Through 12Z Tuesday Morning) Issued At 429 AM MST Mon Dec 29 2025

VFR conditions are expected through the period.

UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

SD...None. WY...None.